KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has been tasked with drawing up a strategic framework and action plan, within three years, to produce quality “qari” and “qariah” (male and female Quran reciters), among youths.
The plan will include producing “hafiz” and “hafiza” (male and female Quran memorisers), according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The programme, he said, will include asnaf (those underprivileged who are eligible to receive zakat or tithe), in the Federal Territories.
He said the youngsters will be guided with continuous training in modules and syllabus from experts, until they master the knowledge of reciting the Quran and the basics of tadabbur (contemplation session) of the holy book verses.
“Encouraging the community to return to appreciating the noble values of the Quran is the priority of the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), which is being mobilised by all its agencies encompassing various approaches.
“This is also the effort of all of us to preserve the agenda of ‘Developing a Malaysia Madani’, forming a society that upholds the values of knowledge, morals and virtue.
“This effort is a commitment earnestly mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.
He said this at the Federal Territories-level Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly, on Saturday, Bernama reported.
Mohd Na’im said mosques and surau institutions in the Federal Territories will continue to be used as learning centres for people of all ages, to learn and understand the interpretation of the Quran.
“Individuals who adhere to religious teachings will apply Quranic values such as unity, love and tolerance in society.
“Alhamdulillah, I have observed and noticed that there are several mosques and surau in the Federal Territories which have been organising lectures and Quran study classes.
“We hope that all mosques and surau make the same effort to boost appreciation of the Quran,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im, in his speech, also touched on the importance of the community being united, and working hand in hand to sow the spirit of unity among the community.
“It is hoped that unity among Malaysians will serve as the core for Malaysia to advance further and remain intact and strong as a united and harmonious nation,” he said.
